The Family
The Family Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: The Family
| Movie | The Family |
| Release Year | 1987 |
| Director | Ettore Scola |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 127 minutes (2h 7m) |
| Language | IT |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Family (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Family are led by Vittorio Gassman . The supporting cast, including Fanny Ardant and Stefania Sandrelli , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Family stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Family has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Family
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, The Family is a Drama film directed by Ettore Scola, written by Furio Scarpelli. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Vittorio Gassman as Carlo as a man / Carlo's grandfather.
Ending Explained: The Family
The Family Ending Explained: "The Family," an album with a velvet cover, is meant to touch the extended family of man. Directed by Ettore Scola, this 1987 drama film stars Vittorio Gassman (Carlo as a man / Carlo's grandfather), alongside Fanny Ardant as Adriana, Stefania Sandrelli as Beatrice, Andrea Occhipinti as Carlo as a young man. Rated 7.5/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of The Family?
"The Family," an album with a velvet cover, is meant to touch the extended family of man. Formal portraits, bookends in this 80-year saga, enclose the central story, which opens with the baptism of Carlo, a baby in his grandfather's lap, and ends with Carlo as a grandfather with a baby in his arms. And never once do we get out of the house, whose rooms provide the film's structure. Comfort or passion? Carlo couldn't really decide until it was too late.
Ettore Scola's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Vittorio Gassman (Carlo as a man / Carlo's grandfather)'s journey. Formal portraits, bookends in this 80-year saga, enclose the central story, which opens with the baptism of Carlo, a baby in his grandfather's lap, and ends with Carlo as a grandfather with a baby in his arms.
How Does Vittorio Gassman (Carlo as a man / Carlo's grandfather)'s Story End?
- Vittorio Gassman: Vittorio Gassman's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Ettore Scola delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 2h 7m runtime.
- Fanny Ardant (Adriana): Fanny Ardant's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Stefania Sandrelli (Beatrice): Stefania Sandrelli's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Family Mean?
The ending of The Family ties together the narrative threads involving Vittorio Gassman. Ettore Scola chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.
The Family Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Family Based on a True Story?
No, The Family is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Ettore Scola and starring Vittorio Gassman may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Family?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Where to Watch The Family Online?
Streaming HubThe Family Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about The Family age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Family (1987) is 127 minutes (2h 7m). Directed by Ettore Scola, the film runs for 127 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Family is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Family worth watching?
The Family is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.5/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Family parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Family identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Family (1987)?
The runtime of The Family (1987) is 127 minutes (approximately 2h 7m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
